Oilers' Penalty Kill Struggles: Draisaitl Speaks Out

Admin

2 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

4.7

Share

Oilers' Penalty Kill Struggles: Draisaitl Speaks Out, Calls for Improved Discipline

The Edmonton Oilers' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and a significant contributing factor is their abysmal penalty kill. After another disappointing performance shorthanded, star forward Leon Draisaitl addressed the media, expressing his frustration and calling for immediate improvements in team discipline. The Oilers' power-play prowess has often been a highlight, but their inability to effectively kill penalties is proving to be a major Achilles heel.

A Season of Special Teams Woes

This season, the Oilers' penalty kill has consistently underperformed, ranking among the league's worst. While their potent offense, led by Connor McDavid and Draisaitl themselves, has kept them in many games, the constant hemorrhaging of goals while shorthanded is unsustainable. This isn't a new problem; the Oilers have struggled with their penalty kill for several seasons, but the severity of the issue is reaching critical mass during this crucial playoff push.

Draisaitl's Candid Assessment

Following a recent game where the Oilers surrendered multiple power-play goals, Draisaitl didn't mince words. "It's frustrating," he stated. "We're giving teams too many chances, and we're not executing when we're down a man. It's simple as that. We need to be more disciplined, and we need to be better in our own zone. It comes down to individual responsibility." He emphasized the need for improved positioning, better communication, and a stronger commitment to blocking shots.

Key Areas for Improvement:

• Discipline: The Oilers are taking too many penalties, often resulting from undisciplined play. Reducing penalties should be a top priority.
• Defensive Positioning: The team needs to improve their positioning while shorthanded, limiting high-danger scoring chances for the opposition.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication among penalty-killing units is vital for effective execution.
• Shot Blocking: Aggressive shot blocking is crucial for preventing goals during power plays.

The Coaching Perspective:

Head coach Jay Woodcroft has acknowledged the team's struggles and has implemented several strategies to address the issues, including increased practice time dedicated to penalty kill drills and adjustments to personnel. He has echoed Draisaitl's sentiments, highlighting the necessity of better focus and individual responsibility. However, the on-ice results haven't yet reflected these changes.

Looking Ahead: A Must-Improve Situation

The Oilers face a critical juncture in their season. Unless they significantly improve their penalty kill, their playoff aspirations will likely remain unrealized. Draisaitl's public comments underscore the urgency of the situation and the team's awareness of the need for drastic change. The coming weeks will be a true test of the Oilers’ ability to adapt and overcome this significant challenge. The question remains: can they turn things around in time to make a serious playoff run? The answer will likely determine the fate of their season.